Description
This Monterey Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken, savory Rice-A-Roni, spinach, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (6-oz) can French fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rice-A-Roni: Cook the chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions, ensuring it is tender and flavorful.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the prepared Rice-A-Roni with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed and drained spinach, minced garlic, chopped cooked chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the French fried onions. Stir everything well to combine into a cohesive mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the rice and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining French fried onions over the top for a crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the spinach is fully thawed and well drained to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- The French fried onions add a crispy texture to the topping; feel free to add more if you prefer extra crunch.
- This casserole reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
